Mt. Pinatubo

daniellecuaresma
May 9, 2015
4 min read

I've always wanted to trek Mt. Pinatubo because I really find it fascinating and thrilling to actually hike a once active volcano. Mt. Pinatubo is one of the most famous volcanoes in the Philippines and probably in the world because of its tragic eruption in June 1991 where ash falls have been recorded as far away as Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia.

I, Javi, and Andrea (Javi's younger sister), met in SM Makati at around 3am and then went to SM Megamall to fetch the others. There were a total of 9 participants in this trek with Javi being the only guy in the group. Haha. We left SM Megamall after everyone has arrived then headed to Capas, Tarlac where the jump-off of Pinatubo is located. It was a 3-hour trip or less which is quite shorter than I've expected. Tarlac is my province and when I go there the bus rides are usually 4-5 hours.

Anyway, we arrived in Capas, Tarlac at around 7am, had a short rest, and then signed ourselves up in the registration area. We also signed some waiver forms and had a short briefing before we begin the trek.

After all the introduction and briefing part, we rode a 4x4 jeepney as it is the only vehicle allowed in the lahar trails.

We divided the group into two because the jeepney can only accommodate 4-5 passengers. It was 1-hour bumpy ride and we felt like we've done stretching just by sitting. Haha. We enjoyed the ride nonetheless. :)

We had a short stop at some part of the trail to take some photos. The view and rock formations (the part that resembles the Toblerone chocolate) there was amazing. I'm not even sure if it should be called Rock Formations, but consider this as lack for a better word. Don't mind the stacks of rocks, I only place them to add some more subject. Haha.

We resumed the bumpy jeepney ride until we reached the part where the 'actual trek' begins. We did some little water crossings so I felt relieved that I was wearing my Tribu Sandals (as always) which has been with me for 6 years. Haha. Anyway, feeling the waters in my feet is so refreshing. :)

After almost an hour of trekking and mini river crossings, we reached a nipa hut with a sign board that says we're only 20 minutes away to the crater. Of course, the time will be lessened if you're younger so they put a sign board that specifically says how much longer will it take someone to reach the crater... according to their age. Haha.

I'm not gonna mention how long it took us but hey at least we reached the crater! Haha. So anyway, after "who knows how long it took us to the crater", we finally reached the majestic Pinatubo Crater.

But that was just the signboard, the trail going down the actual crater is kinda steep but fortunately the management paved the way with stairs. How cool is that?

So after the 'paved trail' comes the Pinatubo Crater, finally! I stared at the what could be the most peaceful view I've ever seen so far in my life. Who would have thought that it was once an angry volcano. The view is really relaxing and it takes away all our stress from the heat! But unfortunately, swimming is prohibited but you can still play in the shallow part of the water.

Of course, there's always "Pics or it never happened" part to every tours/trips. Everyone had their own shots taken with the very majestic Pinatubo Crater as background.

This is Javi, taking a picture of his "Pake". Hahaha

This is Javi's very pretty sister, Andrea :)

After the photo ops, we went to a nipa hut then had our lunch and stayed there for at least an hour to rest. We resumed trekking at around 1pm then arrived at the jump-off at roughly 2pm. We had a short rest then cleaned ourselves up while some of us took a bath. It's really nice that the place have clean restrooms and shower rooms which is very convenient for visitors.

We were also given a "Certificate of Conquest" which is actually kind of thoughtful. My name is misspelled but who cares right? Haha.

We left the place at around 3pm and we were supposed to go to a hanging bridge and Capas Shrine but it started to rain so we didn't push through. We arrived in Manila at around 5pm and I got home at roughly 8pm because I had to stop at Ayala to buy something for my granny who celebrated her birthday that day. Haha.

Okay, so before I end this I would like to remind all of you to leave no trace everywhere you go. Keep all the trash in your bag then dispose them in the proper trash bins.

If you want to have a trekking experience in Mt. Pinatubo, make sure to bring an umbrella, wear arm sleeves, bring your cap/hat, and wear some comfortable footwear. I wore my tribu sandals (as usual) because it suits me best and there are mini river crossings and you wouldn't want your rubber shoes to get all soaking wet plus you get to feel the cold waters on your feet. Haha.

I really commend the Pinatubo Development Corp. (PDC) for keeping the place clean and organized and for making the trips convenient to the tourists/visitors.

Thank you Summit Surfin' with Javi for organizing this trip and for everyone who joined. I hope to see you all in the future, probably in the mountains :)